Lisbon offers accommodation for every taste: historic mansions turned boutique hotels, family-run guesthouses, some of Europe's best hostels and thousands of tourist apartments. Choosing the area matters a lot, because the city is hilly and walking between districts can be tiring. It is part of the Lisbon guide.
The best areas
| Area | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baixa | Flat, very central, metro | Quiet in the evening | First visit |
| Chiado | Elegant, cafés, shops | High prices | Couples, culture |
| Avenida da Liberdade | Luxury hotels, tree-lined avenue | Less character | Comfort, luxury |
| Príncipe Real | Refined, quiet, restaurants | Hills | Couples, design |
| Alfama and Mouraria | Romantic, fado, atmosphere | Hills, few streets for taxis | Atmosphere, photography |
| Bairro Alto | In the heart of the nightlife | Very noisy | Young travellers, nightlife |
| Cais do Sodré and Santos | River, trains to the coast, venues | Night noise | Nightlife, beach trips |
| Belém | Quiet, monuments, river | Far from the old centre | Families, long stays |
| Parque das Nações | Modern, near the airport | Little historic charm | Business, families |
| Arroios and Anjos | Cheap, multicultural, well connected | Less touristy | Budget |
To get to know the districts see Lisbon neighbourhoods.
Types of accommodation
- Boutique hotels: Lisbon has many, often in 19th-century buildings with azulejos and rooftop terraces, especially in Chiado, Príncipe Real and Alfama.
- Luxury hotels: concentrated on Avenida da Liberdade, around Marquês de Pombal and along the river.
- Pousadas: the Portuguese chain of historic hotels has a pousada on Praça do Comércio.
- Hostels: Lisbon has some of Europe's most awarded hostels, with private rooms, generous breakfasts and social activities.
- Guesthouses (pensões, residenciais): cheap and family-run, in the Baixa and around the Rossio.
- Tourist apartments (alojamento local): very common; new licences are restricted in the most saturated historic districts. Check that the listing shows a registration number.
How much it costs
As a rough guide, for a double room:
- Hostel bed: 25-45 euros.
- Guesthouse or two-star: 60-100 euros.
- Three-four star or boutique hotel: 120-250 euros.
- Luxury: from 300 euros upwards.
Prices rise sharply in June, for the St Anthony festivals, in summer and during big events such as the November Web Summit or music festivals. January and February are the cheapest months.
Tourist tax
Lisbon charges a tourist tax of 4 euros per person per night, up to seven nights, for guests aged 13 and over. It is paid at the property and almost never included in online prices.
Booking tips
- If walking is difficult for you, choose the Baixa or Avenida da Liberdade, flat and served by the metro.
- In Alfama taxis can't reach every door: check how to get to your accommodation with luggage.
- In Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré ask for a quiet room.
- Check for air conditioning in summer and heating in winter: Portuguese homes are often cold and damp.
- Many historic buildings have no lift.
- Arriving by plane, areas on the red metro line, or one change away, are most convenient (see the airport).